biocoal

Hi,

We discussed fuel a while back. I am for seeing how new suggestions for steam locomotives work and hope that it happens someday.

As far as fuel is concerned, biocoal appears to be charcoal. This is from trees - renewable - also used in many forms of construction.

This "test" of biocoal seems to be ignoring the past. The steam locomotive - like Dan's much beloved Eureka - are wood burners. They denuded much of the American landscape. The wood burners used non-processed wood.

This biocoal reduces the mass of the wood to charcoal by expending much of its calories "pre burning" the wood.

Where are we going to find 100's of times the forests we currently have? Since this is an obvious move against fossil fuel, will airlines use it? If so, we need even more forests of trees - they are not unlimited and how long does it take to grow a tree?

I seem to recall the history of the EBT book said that logging along the line peaked about every 25-30 years. I recall that the the next growth of trees along the line were to be ready about 1960 but the EBT would not be there for it.

I hope that there is much to be learned from this biocoal use but I personally remain skeptical it is the final form.

Doug vV